The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is his will.— Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Father Joseph F. Hogan, 87

A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 7 at Our Lady of Grace Church, Penndel, Pa., for Father Joseph F. Hogan, who was a parochial vicar at Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, when he retired from active ministry.

Father Hogan was a pastoral assistant at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, Pa., when he died at home Dec. 2. He was 87.

Born in Norristown, Pa., he married Frances Volk in 1949 and moved to Penndel in 1960. After the death of his wife in 1983, he was called to enter the Holy Apostles Seminary in 1984. He was ordained in the Diocese of Metuchen by Bishop Edward T. Hughes on May 28, 1988 and was blessed to celebrate his 25th anniversary of his ordination in 2013.

Before he received his calling, Father Hogan was employed at Keystone Lighting in Bristol, Pa., as personnel and office manager. During his years in Penndel, he was very active in Our Lady of Grace Parish, serving as chairman of the Catholic Charities appeal. He served as a Penndel borough councilman from 1980-1984. He was also the owner of St. Jude Day School in Penndel for 20 years.

Before serving at Mary, Mother of God Parish, Father Hogan served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords (1988–1990), and St. Peter the Apostle Parish, New Brunswick (1990–1994).

At Our of Grace Parish, Father Hogan celebrated Mass and administered the sacrament of reconciliation. He was a moderator of Pre-Cana, chaplain in nursing homes, and worked with the Black Catholic conference. Many couples seeking a family found success through Father Hogan’s blessing of St. Gerard medals.

He was son of the late John and Margaret (Brazel) Hogan, husband of the late Frances Volk and father of the late Christine Conaway (late Fred) of Penndel. He was also preceded in death by his three brothers Jack, Raymond and Jimmy.

He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Rexrode, Anne Brennan, Regina Natschke and Kay Vehling. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren many of whom were baptized by him, and many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

His family would like to thank all of the caregivers who lovingly assisted Father Hogan throughout his final years.

A Rite of Committal was held at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Grace School Development Fund, Our Lady of Grace Church, 225 Bellevue Ave., Penndel, PA 19047.